UMCOR

United Methodist Committee on Relief

Ebola Response

Since June 2014, the Global Health unit and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), both of the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, have been working together to coordinate an integrated response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. To date, they have ensured that grants totaling more than $500,000 for educational programs, protective equipment, and other Ebola-related supplies have been provided to the health boards in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire and to other partners.

As the disease dynamic shifts from the crisis phase, it has become apparent that the epidemic already is having long-term negative impacts on the health systems, economies and social practices of these countries. Global Ministries’ is shifting its Ebola focus from UMCOR’s International Disaster Response unit to the Global Health unit. In doing so, we seek to enable a long-term approach that not only continues to address the Ebola epidemic but also works with the local church and other partners to strengthen healthcare capacity in West Africa.

If you would like to give financially to support the goals of this long-term approach, please give to UMCOR Global Health, Advance #3021770. One hundred percent of your donation will help Global Ministries to work with local partners to strengthen healthcare capacities to confront this and other health challenges.

Churches Play Important Role in Fighting Stigma

In West Africa, The United Methodist Church is helping communities prevent the spread of Ebola while offering compassion to those who are feeling stigmatized by the virus. Bishop Yambasu of Sierra Leone shared with the General Board of Global Ministries that during the passing of the peace, church members now place their hands on their hearts and bow to one another rather than embracing. Hand washing stations are also at the entrance of houses of worship.

In the U.S., many United Methodists have been in prayer with those in West Africa who are affected by the outbreak. When Ebola was identified in the U.S., concern grew that people from West Africa might be subject to stigma and discrimination.

Dr. Olusimbo Ige from Global Ministries’ United Methodist Global Health unit said that the Center for Disease Control has stated that Ebola causes no significant threat to the United States. “Ebola is not an airborne disease,” she said. Referring to a CDC graphic, “You can only get Ebola from: touching the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with or who has died from Ebola; touching contaminated objects, like needles; or touching infected animals.”

The Rev. Dr. J. Denise Honeycutt, who leads the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), encourages congregations to respond with love rather than fear. “There is no legitimate reason to limit interactions with people from West Africa,” she said. “As people of faith, we are called to walk with our brothers and sisters, particularly those who might be grieving or concerned for their loved ones who are at risk in their home country.” She added, “We want to welcome and care for others as Christ has done for us.”

Summary of UMCOR’s Response to Ebola Outbreak as of December 15, 2014

To date, Global Ministries has issued, through UMCOR, more $500,000 in grants in response to the Ebola epidemic. Primary partners have been The United Methodist Church (UMC) health boards in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and grants also have been extended to other trusted partners, as detailed below.